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February 2012 Forecast

By Benjamin Bernstein

Whatever your Sun Sign, this forecast will help you make the best use of each month’s astrological energies. Events are most powerful on the dates listed. However, their influence will be active for at least several days before and after. All dates and times are in the U.S. eastern time zone.

Everyone is affected by these global transits. However, you will be most powerfully impacted when moving planets activate natal planets and other sensitive points in your personal horoscope.

HEADLINES

2/3. Neptune enters Pisces
2/7. Saturn retrograde
2/7. Leo Full Moon
2/14. Jupiter sextile Chiron
2/19. Sun enters Pisces
2/21. Pisces New Moon

THE STORY SO FAR

Mars is retrograde in Virgo thru 4/13: reflect before you act! The healing of opposing viewpoints through unconditional love and compassion is supported through 2/25 by a Wedge aspect pattern. And the overriding energies of revolutionary transformation (a Uranus-Pluto square), as well as universal love, compassion and spiritual awakening (Neptune in Pisces), will be active for years to come.

VOID-OF-COURSE MOONS

It's best to avoid starting important new projects or making major purchases during these times. "Business as usual" is the best strategy for these periods, which occur when the Moon has made its last major Ptolemaic aspect but has not yet moved into the next sign. Learn more about working with void-of-course Moons here.

2/1, 2:06 pm - 2:16 pm (Gemini)
2/4, 12:07 am - 1:05 am (Cancer)
2/6, 7:31 am - 8:25 am (Leo)
2/8, 11:43 am - 12:34 pm (Virgo)
2/10, 12:12 am - 2:56 pm (Libra)
2/12, 4:10 pm - 5:03 pm (Scorpio)
2/14, 12:04 pm - 7:58 pm (Sagittarius)
2/16, 11:03 pm – 2/17, 12:05 am (Capricorn)
2/19, 4:22 am - 5:30 am (Aquarius)
2/21, 11:17 am - 12:33 pm (Pisces)
2/22, 9:24 pm – 2/23, 9:49 pm (Aries)
2/26, 7:53 am - 9:31 am (Taurus)
2/28, 2:46 pm - 10:28 pm (Gemini)

Detailed Forecast

2/1 (Wed). Relationship challenges can arise with Venus opposing Mars. And with Venus in Pisces and Mars in Virgo, it can be easy to unconsciously fall into the role of victim or victimizer. However, you can also use an opposition consciously and cooperatively. Accentuate this one's harmonious possibilities by focusing on how you can join forces in the service of higher ideals!

2/3 (Fri). One of the biggest astrological events of the year occurs today as Neptune enters Pisces. Challenging aspects of this long-term residency, through 2025, could include denial, escapism, addictive behaviors and aimlessness. Used wisely, however, this placement supports spiritual awakening, divinely inspired creativity, and unconditional love and compassion for all beings. Let's focus on the latter, shall we?

2/7 (Tue). Take advantage of increased mental acuity as the Sun conjuncts Mercury in Aquarius!
        Saturn turns retrograde today at 29°30' Libra, and will reverse course for about four and a half months until 6/25. This is a good time to reflect on the Saturnian themes of maturity, responsibility, efficient time management and acting as the wise elder.
        In your own chart, pay special attention to any sensitive points in the last three degrees of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn), or the first three degrees of the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius). Saturn has been testing their structure for the last two months, and will continue to do so through early April. Whatever the challenge, only practical, real-world solutions will do!
        Saturn also makes a quincunx to Venus today, calling for adjustments where needed in your relationships, creativity and finances.

    February's Full Moon shines forth today at 4:54 PM (18°31' Leo). How “full-filled” are you with your risk-taking, public expression of creativity, leadership skills, taking time for rest and relaxation, interactions with children, and engaging with the playfulness of your own inner child? Now, with these issues spotlighted in the Full Moon's revelatory light, is an excellent time to make whatever changes are needed in these areas.
        The Full Moon makes an extremely tight opposition to Mercury, highlighting learning and clear communication as another important theme for this lunation.
        The Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon is, “A houseboat party crowded with revelers; the water reflects its lights.” This image reminds me of the “Don't postpone joy” bumper sticker on my car. The theme appears to be letting loose and having fun, and the lights reflecting in the water symbolically radiate the celebratory energy out into the world. Perhaps the message here is that the more you embody joy, the more it will spread to others and benefit them as well. And while the joy generated by the usual sensual pleasures is undeniably delightful, it pales in comparison with the transcendent bliss of spiritual ecstasy. I recommend that you not settle for less!

2/8 (Wed). Venus transits Aries today through 3/5. This is an excellent time to bring whatever Arean energy is appropriate – initiatory, sexual, fiery and/or courageous – to relationships, creativity and finance.

2/9 (Thu). With Aquarian Mercury quincunx Mars, be careful not to let your mouth run ahead of your brain. I also advise against verbal sneak attacks. Instead, let your mind be positively energized, and your words be enthusiastic and inspiring!
        Are your intuitive flashes inspiring you to bring some fresh ideas to your relationships, creativity and/or finance? That's what happens with Venus conjunct Uranus!

2/10 (Fri). The Sun, trailing right behind Mercury, makes its own quincunx to Mars today. Any dark impulses toward impetuosity, anger or impulsiveness can be redirected into exercise, positive sexual expression and new project initiation.

2/11 (Sat). Celebrate the feeling of extra vitality, and perhaps even an extra measure of luck, with the Sun quintile Jupiter.

2/13 (Mon). An enhanced ability to focus your mind and speak with authority are available with Mercury trine Saturn.
        Mercury also enters Pisces today, which it will transit through 3/2. This transit makes it easier to express divinely inspired creativity, receive intuitive information, and operate more by “divine GPS.”

2/14 (Tue). Valentine's Day opens with a timely transit: Piscean Mercury conjunct Neptune. Especially on this day devoted to romantic love, this combination can fuzz over the brain and place rose-colored glasses over your eyes. However, it also helps your mind receive intuitive information more easily, and might even help facilitate a mind-meld with your beloved. Beware of illusion, but enjoy the blending!
        Mercury and Neptune are only energetically conjunct for a few days, but the Jupiter-Chiron sextile which is exact today has far greater staying power. This aspect has been active for the last three months, and still has another month to go!
        Among this aspect's possible manifestations are increased opportunities to receive healing and mentoring, as well as more empowerment to provide them to others if you're so inclined. You can also bring a more refined focus to philosophy, religion, and learning from the wisdom of other cultures.

2/15 (Wed). Why would the universe roll out a Venus-Pluto square the day after Valentine's Day? Perhaps to illuminate previously undisclosed information you should know about your relationship, or encourage a transformation that will make it stronger. If no issues currently need to be addressed, this aspect might just pump the two of you up with even more passion and romantic intensity!
        A Mars-Jupiter sesquiquadrate adds even more intensity to the day. While conflict and adversity are possible under this aspect, directing its energy into exercise, mutually uplifting sex or fighting for a worthy cause can give these planets something much better to do!

2/16 (Thu). Spiritual approaches to mentoring and mental healing are strongly supported by a Mercury-Chiron conjunction in Pisces. A sextile between Mercury and Jupiter gives this possibility additional energy, while also providing a healthy dose of overall mental stimulation!

2/18 (Sat). You have consistent support for your vitality – especially if you're nurturing your unique gifts or serving the greater good – with Saturn trine the Aquarian Sun.
        A Mercury-Pluto sextile helps the mind probe more deeply -- especially into spiritual or creative territory, since Mercury is in Pisces.

2/19 (Sun). The Sun enters Pisces (thru 3/19) and conjuncts Neptune today: two events with the same interpretation. Be wary of urges toward excessive escapism, be it through excessive indulgence in drugs, alcohol, games, sex, food, internet, gaming or anything else. More life-affirming uses of this energy include divine union practices, bringing your divinely inspired creativity into the world, and flowing unconditional love and compassion to others.

Check back soon for the rest of the February forecast!

QUICK GLOSSARY OF ASTROLOGICAL ASPECTS

Conjunction. Two planets in the same place (0° apart). Union; merging.
Opposition. Two planets opposite each other (180º apart). Opposition; relationship.
Square. 90° angle. Conflict; challenge for growth.
Trine. 120° angle. Easy, flowing connection.
Sextile. 60° angle. Flowing, high-energy connection.
Quincunx. 150° angle. Difficulty making connection; adjustment required.
Quintile. 72° angle. Inspiring, creative connection.
Biquintile. 144° angle. Like a quintile, but more subtle.

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